Suphan Mountain (4434m), a magnificent dormant volcano, is the third highest peak in Turkey. It rises from the Northwest shores of Lake Van, and can often be seen reflected in the blue waters.

The crater is considerably smaller than Nemrut’s, but also contains a small warm-water lake; however most of the surrounding slopes are not fertile but consist largely of huge blocks of basalt. Summer climbs are possible from June – September. Throughout the winter, snowfalls on Suphan reach a depth of three to four metres; winter climbing is possible in Feb-March.

Ascents start from the village of Adilcevaz, on the main lakeside road between Tatvan and Dogubeyazit, 25km north of Ahlat. The ascent is via the south or east slopes, and no technical climbing is involved. However, there are false summits and the featureless basalt makes routefinding difficult. To climb from the east flank, between Adilcevaz and Ercis, turn north to Aydinlar village; from here you continue to Kicgilli village where you can hire a guide to lead you in your ascent.

The climb from the South begins at the village of Harmantepe, near the ruins of an Urartrian fortress known as Kefkalesi.

(For accommodation suggestions, see Nemrut; for travel information, see Ararat).